Latest news with #DEFRA
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK ‘not ready' for major animal disease outbreak
Britain is not prepared to handle a major outbreak of disease in animals like bird flu, foot and mouth or African swine fever, the government's spending watchdog has warned. The UK would be 'unable to respond effectively' to an animal outbreak, which could cost the UK economy billions in lost livestock and pose a significant risk to human health, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The report examines the readiness of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and has found significant shortcomings in its contingency planning. There is a 'very high risk' of Weybridge, the government's biosecure containment labs responsible for testing animal diseases, being unable to cope with the demands of testing and tracing in the event of a major outbreak, it said, noting that the issue 'has worsened' in recent years. DEFRA rated the likelihood of such a failure at 25 out of 25, the maximum rating that can be given. 'The site is in poor condition, with ageing buildings that need major repair and replacement, and a lack of capacity to carry out research and testing,' the report says. While a £2.8 billion redevelopment programme at Weybridge was now underway, the main new laboratory facilities will not be delivered for another 10 years, it added. Plans for how outbreaks of several major diseases including bird flu, which has already killed more than seven million birds in Britain since 2020, have not been updated in more than a decade. The government came under similar criticism during the Covid inquiry after it was revealed the UK did not have an up-to-date pandemic plan or strategy. The last one was published in 2011 and has not been revised since. The risk of 'exotic' animal diseases entering the country is also rising, partly because only five per cent of live animal imports are being physically checked at the border – far below the target of 100 per cent set by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an arm of DEFRA, which was meant to be reached last year. Adding to the concern, around 20 per cent of veterinary positions at APHA are currently unfilled, further weakening the UK's ability to respond swiftly to a crisis. DEFRA also lacks a comprehensive livestock tracing system, which is 'crucial to responding quickly and effectively to contain an outbreak,' the report says. The systems currently in place are 'fragmented' and 'run on outdated legacy systems,' including a cattle tracing platform which was set up in 1998 and has 'significant reliability issues'. During recent outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu, APHA and local authorities had to distribute flyers in areas where the infection was present and send out teams to find farms at risk of contracting the virus, because the government agency did not have a complete list of poultry farms and bird keepers. The government department has also failed to test its response capabilities in any meaningful way, according to the watchdog. Exercises to test outbreak contingency plans have been increasingly 'table-top' exercises – meaning they are conducted online rather than in the field – which would better simulate a real outbreak scenario. As it stands, a major animal disease outbreak would cost the UK economy hundreds of millions, or even billions, of pounds. The NAO cited the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, which resulted in an estimated £13.8 billion in economic losses. 'A long-term strategy and action plan are urgently needed, to protect national economic resilience as well as food security, human health and rural communities,' said Gareth Davies, head of the NAO. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts, said: 'Despite some good work to identify new threats, Government's preparations for a future major outbreak are being hampered by a lack of capacity, skills and long-term strategy. 'The government's failure to carry out checks on animal imports is also threatening biosecurity at the border. Resilience to a severe outbreak has not been tested in recent years, but the threat remains ever increasing as our livestock become more susceptible to disease. 'Without changes to the current operating system, there is a very real risk that the Government would not be able to respond effectively.' Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
UK ‘not ready' for major animal disease outbreak
Britain is not prepared to handle a major outbreak of disease in animals like bird flu, foot and mouth or African swine fever, the government's spending watchdog has warned. The UK would be 'unable to respond effectively' to an animal outbreak, which could cost the UK economy billions in lost livestock and pose a significant risk to human health, according to a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The report examines the readiness of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and has found significant shortcomings in its contingency planning. There is a 'very high risk' of Weybridge, the government's biosecure containment labs responsible for testing animal diseases, being unable to cope with the demands of testing and tracing in the event of a major outbreak, it said, noting that the issue 'has worsened' in recent years. DEFRA rated the likelihood of such a failure at 25 out of 25, the maximum rating that can be given. 'The site is in poor condition, with ageing buildings that need major repair and replacement, and a lack of capacity to carry out research and testing,' the report says. While a £2.8 billion redevelopment programme at Weybridge was now underway, the main new laboratory facilities will not be delivered for another 10 years, it added. Plans for how outbreaks of several major diseases including bird flu, which has already killed more than seven million birds in Britain since 2020, have not been updated in more than a decade. The government came under similar criticism during the Covid inquiry after it was revealed the UK did not have an up-to-date pandemic plan or strategy. The last one was published in 2011 and has not been revised since. The risk of 'exotic' animal diseases entering the country is also rising, partly because only five per cent of live animal imports are being physically checked at the border – far below the target of 100 per cent set by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an arm of DEFRA, which was meant to be reached last year. Adding to the concern, around 20 per cent of veterinary positions at APHA are currently unfilled, further weakening the UK's ability to respond swiftly to a crisis. DEFRA also lacks a comprehensive livestock tracing system, which is 'crucial to responding quickly and effectively to contain an outbreak,' the report says. The systems currently in place are 'fragmented' and 'run on outdated legacy systems,' including a cattle tracing platform which was set up in 1998 and has 'significant reliability issues'. During recent outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu, APHA and local authorities had to distribute flyers in areas where the infection was present and send out teams to find farms at risk of contracting the virus, because the government agency did not have a complete list of poultry farms and bird keepers. The government department has also failed to test its response capabilities in any meaningful way, according to the watchdog. Exercises to test outbreak contingency plans have been increasingly 'table-top' exercises – meaning they are conducted online rather than in the field – which would better simulate a real outbreak scenario. As it stands, a major animal disease outbreak would cost the UK economy hundreds of millions, or even billions, of pounds. The NAO cited the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, which resulted in an estimated £13.8 billion in economic losses. 'A long-term strategy and action plan are urgently needed, to protect national economic resilience as well as food security, human health and rural communities,' said Gareth Davies, head of the NAO. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts, said: 'Despite some good work to identify new threats, Government's preparations for a future major outbreak are being hampered by a lack of capacity, skills and long-term strategy. 'The government's failure to carry out checks on animal imports is also threatening biosecurity at the border. Resilience to a severe outbreak has not been tested in recent years, but the threat remains ever increasing as our livestock become more susceptible to disease. 'Without changes to the current operating system, there is a very real risk that the Government would not be able to respond effectively.'
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
How to treat sting 'like being stabbed by red-hot needle' after sightings
A pharmacist has advised how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet amid a rise in sightings in the UK. So far this year, three nests found and there have been 24 sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, which pose a major threat to many native UK insects, including honey bees. An Asian hornet - believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004 - can consume 50 honey bees a day with a swarm able to kill off a hive of more than 30,000 bees. In 2024 there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found - and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year. The warning from Well Pharmacy comes as Brits spend more time outdoors during an unseasonal 23C hot spell this week - considerably warmer than the 14C monthly average. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle. Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting. Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. The hornet, which has been mainly sighted in Kent with a couple of other sightings in Hampshire and a solitary sighting in Shropshire can potentially wreak havoc on the UK's ecosystem. It is important Brits are able to tell the difference between harmless insect bites and life-threatening stings. The invasive species have slight differences in appearance to wasps and other hornets - most prominently, the Asian hornet has yellow legs. Asian hornets are generally seen as more aggressive than wasps unlike their European cousin and will potentially sting unprovoked. If you are stung by an Asian hornet, then Well Pharmacy's George Sandhu has the following advice which could help alleviate the pain. 1. Clean with soap and water Mr Sandhu says: 'A hornet sting will be much more painful than normal stings, there is no stinger left behind, meaning there is nothing to be removed. Instead head for the sink and use soap and cool water to clean the wound, no matter how small.' 2. Apply ice Mr Sandhu says: 'Once the wound has been cleaned, head to the freezer to get ice because cooling the body's temperature will slow the spread of venom. The coolness of the ice will also provide a soothing relief to the throbbing pain which comes from an Asian hornet sting.' 3. Monitor symptoms Mr Sandhu urges anyone who has been stung to keep monitoring the wound [2] and their condition - or make sure someone is around to keep a close eye on them. Mr Sandhu says: 'Some people who are stung by an Asian hornet will find themselves having an allergic reaction following the incident. 'It is important to consult a medical professional immediately if you believe you've had an allergic reaction to an Asian hornet sting.' 4. Get emergency help Mr Sandhu says: 'If you can feel your throat getting tight or you are having trouble breathing then it is possible that you may go into anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to ensure that people around you are aware of this so they can ring 999 and get the proper help for you. If you're with someone who is experiencing these symptoms then stay calm and call an ambulance.' 5. Be one step ahead Mr Sandhu said: 'Patients may be aware that they are allergic to bee or wasp stings and if this is the case then they should make sure to always have a bee sting kit on their person. Having this kit available will allow for immediate treatment which can help save their lives should they be stung by a bee, wasp or Asian hornet. 'The kits are compact and don't take up too much space and should be a part of someone's checklist whenever they suspect they may experience insects they are allergic to.' 6. Pharmacy First Mr Sandhu added: 'It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer expert advice on any insect bites or stings through the Pharmacy First scheme. If you are looking for medical advice and treatment, then head to your local Well Pharmacy where a pharmacist can discuss options to treat the issue. 'Many patients have the option to purchase antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers over the counter at their local pharmacy to enable immediate treatment. Other treatments can also be offered all without the need for a doctor's appointment due to the Pharmacy First scheme.' He adds: 'All insect stings and bites can be sore initially however there are a variety of treatments which can aid patients. Many patients find that creams are helpful in soothing the area which has been stung whilst others also use soap and water to ensure that the wound is clean. 'Asian hornets possess a particularly strong sting which can be very unpleasant however if patients follow the above guidance they will be able to soothe the sting which should heal in a few days.'
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Jersey minister hopeful for Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing
Jersey's environment minister hopes charter fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna will be possible in its waters this Steve Luce provided an update to the States Assembly on the proposed extension to Jersey of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic tunas, which would allow the island's vessels to sustainably fish for the said the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has authorised charter fishing to take place in Jersey territorial waters in 2025 once the extension is minister plans to sign a ministerial decision requesting officers to formally convey the extension request to the UK by early June. Deputy Luce said the UK became a contracting party to the 1966 convention, which aims to ensure sustainable fishing and population management, during Brexit negotiations. He said: "As a Crown dependency, Jersey is not recognised as an independent state by the UN and so cannot participate in the convention in its own right. "The UK represents Jersey as a matter of international law and, with Jersey's consent, can extend the convention to cover the island."He said shoals of thousands of Atlantic bluefin tuna had been sighted in the island's water since according to Jersey's government, the species are protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021, which prohibits targeting and landing Atlantic bluefin tuna within Jersey territorial Luce said an extension of the convention would result in the fishery being opened and would be managed, monitored and enforced by Marine Resources.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
How to treat an Asian hornet sting after rise in sightings
This is how you treat an Asian hornet sting according to a leading pharmacist 🐝 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There has been a rise in confirmed sightings of Asian hornets across the UK. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man. Well Pharmacy's George Sandhu advises on how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet. There have been a rise in Asian hornet sightings across the UK this year, with a leading pharmacist issuing guidance on what to do if you get stung. Asian hornets are believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004. They are an invasive species which pose a significant threat to many of the UK's native insects, including honey bees. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So far this year, there have been 13 confirmed sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet. In 2024, there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle. How to treat an Asian hornet sting after a rise in sightings across the UK. | MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Under the Pharmacy First scheme, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy. What does an Asian hornet look like? The invasive species have slight differences in appearance to wasps and other hornets - most prominently, the Asian hornet has yellow legs. Asian hornets are generally seen as more aggressive than wasps unlike their European cousin and will potentially sting unprovoked. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Where have Asian hornets been sighted? Asian hornets, have mainly been sighted in Kent with a couple of other sightings in Hampshire and a solitary sighting in Shropshire. How to treat an Asian hornet sting If you are stung by an Asian hornet, then Well Pharmacy's George Sandhu has the following advice which could help alleviate the pain. Clean with soap and water A hornet sting is much more painful than normal stings as there is no stinger left behind and nothing to be removed. Mr Sandhu explains: 'Instead head for the sink and use soap and cool water to clean the wound, no matter how small.' Apply ice Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After cleaning the wound, applying ice will cool the body's temperature and slow the spread of the venom. Mr Sandhu says: 'The coolness of the ice will also provide a soothing relief to the throbbing pain which comes from an Asian hornet sting.' Monitor symptoms If someone has been stung you should keep monitoring the wound and their condition - or make sure someone is around to keep a close eye on them. Mr Sandhu says: 'Some people who are stung by an Asian hornet will find themselves having an allergic reaction following the incident. It is important to consult a medical professional immediately if you believe you've had an allergic reaction to an Asian hornet sting.' Get emergency help It's important to get emergency help if you feel your throat getting tight or are having trouble breathing. Mr Sandhu says: 'It is possible that you may go into anaphylactic shock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is crucial to ensure that people around you are aware of this so they can ring 999 and get the proper help for you. 'If you're with someone who is experiencing these symptoms then stay calm and call an ambulance.' Be one step ahead If you are aware that you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, then make sure you have your bee sting kit on hand. Mr Sandhu said: 'Having this kit available will allow for immediate treatment which can help save their lives should they be stung by a bee, wasp or Asian hornet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The kits are compact and don't take up too much space and should be a part of someone's checklist whenever they suspect they may experience insects they are allergic to.' Pharmacy First Under the Pharmacy First scheme, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. Mr Sandhu said: 'It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer expert advice on any insect bites or stings through the Pharmacy First scheme. 'If you are looking for medical advice and treatment, then head to your local Well Pharmacy where a pharmacist can discuss options to treat the issue. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Many patients have the option to purchase antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers over the counter at their local pharmacy to enable immediate treatment. 'Other treatments can also be offered all without the need for a doctor's appointment due to the Pharmacy First scheme.' He adds: 'All insect stings and bites can be sore initially however there are a variety of treatments which can aid patients. 'Many patients find that creams are helpful in soothing the area which has been stung whilst others also use soap and water to ensure that the wound is clean. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Asian hornets possess a particularly strong sting which can be very unpleasant however if patients follow the above guidance they will be able to soothe the sting which should heal in a few days.' If you have a health story to share with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
